Reported 8 months ago
On June 18, 2024, at 6:40 AM, the Chinese coast guard ship intercepted a Philippine vessel on the sea on March 5, 2024. The Philippine government stated on the 18th that in the collision on the 17th involving a Chinese coast guard ship, a Filipino sailor was 'seriously injured,' accusing the Chinese vessel of purposefully ramming a Filipino resupply ship. Tensions over the South China Sea dispute surrounding Ren'ai Reef have escalated once again. The Philippine military declared on the 18th that the Chinese coast guard's 'continued acts of aggression and unprofessional conduct, obstructing legitimate humanitarian missions, are completely unacceptable.' This incident occurred early on the 17th when the Philippine fleet was providing food and water supplies to the BRP Madre de Dios stranded at Ren'ai Reef, being intercepted by a Chinese coast guard ship. China claimed that the Philippine vessel 'dangerously approached and intentionally collided with the normal navigation of the Chinese vessel,' and the Chinese coast guard undertook 'legally prescribed warning, interception, boarding inspection, and forced eviction measures' on the Philippine vessels. The Philippines deemed this deceptive, erroneous account totally unacceptable. This incident marks the first conflict between China and the Philippines since China began implementing new coast guard orders on the 15th. The 'Coast Guard Agency Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures' allow the Chinese coast guard to arrest and detain Filipino personnel, raising concerns that it may lead to more serious conflicts. The US Ambassador to the Philippines was the first to mention Filipino personnel being injured, condemning China's actions. This is the first time the Philippines officially admitted their personnel were injured, without providing details. Besides the US, Canada and the UK also condemned China's actions, while France and Japan expressed serious concerns.
Source: YAHOO